Dora
was raised in Texas until the age of 15.She then moved to Quincy WA and graduated
from Quincy High School. She was married and raised 3 children. Dora was then widowed; left to raise her children
as a single parent. Dora worked as a school district liaison until 1986 and then at the Department of Social and Health
Services in Wenatchee. She retired December of 2009. Dora travels, spends time with her Grandchildren and family/friends,
teaches part time and is dedicated to her mission.

Dora
has served her community in the past as a Quincy City Councilmember, Co Chairman for Catholic Family Service Board, Chelan
Community Concerts Board Member, Little League Coach, Wenatchee Gang Coalition Member, Parks & Recreation Committee Member
and YWCA Board Member and Chair of the Diversity Committee.

”Stop The Violence In Our Communities”" began the day Dora sat on her son's death bed in 1999
and made a promise that she would do what she could to stop this violence. She then became more political and
held a position as a State Committee Woman. She continues to be an active member and advocate of the WFSE Washington Federation
of State Employees, is a member of Mothers Against Violence in America, Parents of Murdered Children, Family & Friends
of Violent Crime Victims and VIP’s - Volunteer Policing.

Dora’s
life story, before the murder of her son, appears in Karen Blair's book Women in Pacific Northwest History which is used in
college classes for Chicano and Women’s studies. She has twice received the DSHS Diversity Award for community participation
and the North East Washington Campfire Trail Blazer award for community activism. Dora was named the state finalist for the
2009 Above-and-Beyond Citizen Award, conferred by the national Congressional Metal of Honor Society. The award certificate
noted she was recognized for her extraordinary advocacy against gang violence in the community. She was also the first American
of Mexican heritage to service on the Quincy City Council. Dora is one of the Washington women profiled in "Women's
Votes, Women’s Voices," a traveling museum exhibit commemorating centennial women's suffrage.

Stop
The Violence In Our Communites went national and Dora presents At law enforcement trainings and in the community
where needed.

Dora was named the state
finalist for the 2009 Above-and-Beyond Citizen Award, conferred by the national Congressional Metal of Honor Society. The
award certificate noted she was recognized for her extrodinary advocacy against gang violence in the community. As well,honored
to be one of the women featured in a
traveling exhibit by The Women's History Consortium; Women's Votes, Women's Voices Washington Women's Suffrage Centennial Exhibit:
The exhibit tells the story of
how women from various ethnic and economic groups have achieved a voice in public life, despite barriers through organizing
and activism. The exhibit stresses how suffrage was a springboard to women's achievements throughout Washington's history
and extending into the present, how women organizing for change have made a difference in Washington.